Freelance Writer: Travel & Things To Do

At Narcity Media Group, we’re building the future of local media, and we want you to be a part of our Global Neighbourhood. NMG is a digital-only media company that owns and operates Narcity.com and MTLBlog.com. Our staff and network of world-class creators interact with millions of Millennials and Gen Zs monthly through our websites, social channels, mobile apps, syndication partners, and email subscriptions.

Our audience is interested in the national, the local, and the hyper-local — simultaneously. That is why our teams of writers, editors, and content creators keep our audience informed on everything from breaking news and trending content to the best travel spots to add to your bucket list and restaurants to eat at. Readers may come to Narcity to find out where to go for dinner, but they’ll leave with information on the biggest stories of the day to talk about over their meal.

Narcity Media’s Editorial team is made up of energetic multi-platform content creators who know how to engage with Gen Z and Millennial readers, helping them discover the undiscovered by highlighting the most interesting news, places, people, and ideas in their cities and beyond.

Your mission:

MTLBlog.com is looking for motivated and experienced Montreal-based Freelance Travel & Things To Do Writers to contribute to our editorial team.

We are seeking storytellers with experience writing SEO-focused travel content who are excited to create engaging and relatable stories for MTL Blog. They should be able to convince our audience they live in the most interesting city in the world, engaging both locals and readers from outside Montreal.

The Freelance Writers should be able to cover everything from destination highlights to personal essays and bucket lists, publishing stories like these:

7 Actually Sandy Beaches Near Montreal You Can Visit This Summer
This Quebec Treetop Trail Tower With Panoramic Views Is One Of The First In North America
18 Bucket List Things To Do In Montreal In January
A Quebec Resort Chairlift Is Transforming Into A 6-km Suspended Mountainside Light Show
Downtown Montreal Is Hosting Free Circus Shows On A Giant 52-Foot Structure
2 Massive Tulip Fields Have Opened Outside Montreal & You Can Build Your Own Colourful Bouquet

We’re looking for writers with a strong network of sources in the travel sector and a knack for finding unique local angles that will resonate with what our Gen Z and Millennial audiences are searching for.

The writers should have a record of publishing original, exclusive, or timely stories while being equally passionate about producing evergreen, search-focused content.

Before pitching, please visit our site to get a feel for what kind of content we publish.

What you’ll do:

Research and write SEO-focused travel articles that drive reader engagement and grow MTL Blog’s audience with compelling packaging
Consistently demonstrate a deep knowledge of what is happening and trending in Montreal
Maintain a strong network of local sources in the travel industry
Deliver on MTL Blog’s voice and tone and respect SEO, brand, and quality guidelines
Ensure all information is properly cited and factually accurate

Your qualifications:

Exceptional verbal and written English skills
Experience writing travel content for a digital publisher
An education in Journalism, Communications, or a related field is considered an asset
Knowledge of SEO best practice & experience optimizing content for search
Availability to contribute on a regular basis and deliver to tight deadlines
Familiarity with various style guides, especially AP Style, an asset

Position type & story rates

This is a freelance position that will be compensated on a per-story basis. Rates will be agreed upon when a pitch is accepted. Currently, our rates fall between $50 and $300 CAD depending on the article topic, length, and the amount of work involved.

How to pitch/apply:

Please send an email to pitches@mtlblog.com with the following:

At least 3 travel/things to do story ideas targeted towards MTL Blog readers, including:
Proposed headlines (make sure to familiarize yourself with how we do headlines at MTL Blog)
A few sentences on each idea, including what makes the article original/unique, who you would speak to, who your sources would be, etc.
At least 3 links to previously published work relevant to MTL Blog’s coverage
An updated CV or link to your LinkedIn profile
Links to your social media handles to help us get a sense of your voice & personality
Your availability for assignments (how many pieces per week/month are you able to contribute?)
Your willingness/ability to distribute content created for MTL Blog on your own personal social channels (X, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)

*P.S. We really, really love PDF CVs. it allows candidates to truly showcase their talents in the format they have chosen to display them. Follow this link to learn how to convert your resume into a PDF.

What happens after I pitch?

If we love your pitches, our Editors will be in touch with you to arrange a paid trial assignment and discuss story structure, word count, deadline, and the fee for your work.

If your trial is successful, you’ll be fully onboarded as an MTL Blog Freelancer!

If your pitches aren't in line with what we're currently looking for, we’ll let you know and always aim to provide some feedback.

All submitted work must abide by MTL Blog’s Editorial Standards.

Equal Access and Opportunity Commitment:

Narcity Media Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage our people to grow and thrive by being their true selves. We are committed to removing systemic barriers in the workplace and building a company that reflects the community that we serve at every level. We are devoted to building a company that is part of the solution and not the problem.

The same goes for our applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Narcity Media regardless of age, national origin, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, socioeconomic status, or marital status. If you need any accommodations at any stage of the recruitment or onboarding process, please contact us at people@narcitymedia.com

If this resonates with who you are, get in touch — we can’t wait to talk with you!